NEW YORK, September 14, 2026 — Health officials are investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx after ten people tested positive and one person died, according to the.
The investigation is focused on parts of Melrose and Morrisania. Initial tests detected traces of Legionella bacteria in cooling towers at ten buildings, and their owners were ordered to clean and disinfect the towers by September 14. Officials are conducting further tests to determine whether live bacteria were present. The initial results do not establish which tower, if any, caused the illnesses.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia that can develop when a person breathes in mist containing the bacteria. It does not spread from person to person, the Health Department said. The illness can be treated effectively when diagnosed early.
Officials urged anyone who has lived, worked or visited the affected area since late August to contact a healthcare provider promptly if they develop fever, cough or difficulty breathing. The city has also scheduled a community meeting for September 15 to discuss the investigation.
The case count and tower findings reflect the Health Department’s update posted September 13 at 5:50 p.m.
